Top-Seeded Pilots Begin RRAC Tournament Run Against Paul Quinn

SHREVEPORT, La. – The stage is set for the top-seeded Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) Pilots to begin their postseason campaign as they take on No. 8-seeded Paul Quinn College in the opening round of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Women's Basketball Tournament. The game tips off on Friday, February 28, at 3 p.m. at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Fresh off a 62-61 thriller against in-state rival LSU Alexandria to clinch the RRAC Regular Season Championship, LSUS (24-3, 23-1 RRAC) enters the tournament as the team to beat. The Pilots are riding an incredible 19-game winning streak, proving their dominance in conference play. With a balanced attack and one of the stingiest defenses in the nation, LSUS is poised to make a deep postseason run.

The Pilots boast an explosive offense, averaging 73.1 points per game while shooting a solid 43.9% from the field, including 32.9% from three-point range. On the defensive end, LSUS has been nearly impenetrable, allowing just 52.4 points per game and holding opponents to an anemic 32.0% shooting percentage. With these numbers, it's clear that LSUS controls both ends of the court.

Leading the charge for the Pilots is Selma Markisic, averaging 13.0 points per game while shooting 42.8% from the field. Helena Galunic (11.6 PPG) and Paula Gonzalez Herrero (11.2 PPG) add to the offensive firepower, with Galunic also leading the team on the boards with 179 total rebounds. Floor general Alexis Brown orchestrates the attack with 87 assists, while defensive standout Erynn Williams has racked up 79 steals. Rim protector Vicky Parra anchors the paint with 34 blocks.

While LSUS enters as heavy favorites, Paul Quinn College (11-16, 10-14 RRAC) won't go down without a fight. The Tigers secured a crucial 70-61 victory over Our Lady of the Lake before falling 76-66 to Texas A&M-San Antonio in their regular-season finale. They've shown resilience throughout the season, but facing a juggernaut like LSUS on a neutral floor will be their toughest challenge yet.

Paul Quinn's offense runs through Canai McPherson, who leads the team with 17.6 points per game on 37.3% shooting. Zaire Brown (10.6 PPG) and Cierra Taylor (10.2 PPG) provide additional scoring options, with Taylor also leading the team in assists (86). Brown is a force on the boards, averaging 9.3 rebounds per game, while Adrianna Belton chips in with 6.4 boards. Defensively, McPherson leads the Tigers with 61 steals, and Brown has registered a team-best 26 blocks.

For LSUS, the key to victory will be sticking to their defensive principles and overwhelming Paul Quinn early with their high-powered offense. The Pilots will look to impose their will in the paint, control the tempo, and capitalize on the Tigers' struggles on the glass.

LIVE STREAMS
All games will be live streamed by Antler Sports Network, the official and exclusive live stream provider for the RRACB Basketball Championship. Games are available online at antlersn.com or on any Roku device.
 
LIVE STATS
Live stats will be provided for all RRAC Tournament games and links will be available on the RRAC Tournament page.
 
TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Laborde Earles Coliseum box office. Online tickets can be purchased HERE.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information and updates on LSUS Athletics please visit lsusathletics.com, 'like' us on Facebook at LSU Shreveport Athletics or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @lsusathletics.